Poetry

The Darker Sooner

By Catherine Wing
Then came the darker sooner,
came the later lower.
We were no longer a sweeter-here
happily-ever-after. We were after ever.
We were farther and further.
More was the word we used for harder.
Lost was our standard-bearer.
Our gods were fallen faster,
and fallen larger.
The day was duller, duller
was disaster. Our charge was error.
Instead of leader we had louder,
instead of lover, never. And over this river
broke the winter’s black weather.

An analysis of the original poem
In "The Darker Sooner," the speaker is relating the ideas of a past love that did not last. Through the use of clever wordplay, Wing uses typical phrases but reworks them so they reveal the lack of love in the relationship, as instead of "Happily ever after", they were "After ever" implying happily ever after does not last in reality. The repeated use of the 'r' sound drives the poem forward, creating a musicality and quiet resonance in the poem. The alliteration makes the dark poem sound beautiful and lyrical when spoken.

Artwork that you feel reflects a theme or idea from the poem


"Black Untitled"
Willem de Kooning

Original discussion questions that you think are important to understanding this piece

• What is the purpose of the extensive alliteration?
• Until the end, there was no mention of nature. What is the symbolism of the river and the winter?

A brief biography of the poet

• Born in Louisville, Kentucky
• Attended Brown University
• Collection of poetry, Enter Invisible
• Featured in a number of anthologies, including Best American Poetry